What the fund is, how the money is allocated and how to apply
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is money from the government that we use to provide a safety net for those on low incomes who face an unexpected financial problem. It also supports long‑term financial stability in the community.
Total funding will be £21.3m from April 2026 to March 2029.
How the money will be allocated
Free school meal vouchers
Free school meal vouchers will be provided to free school meal and Pupil Premium children for all school holidays up to and including Summer 2026.
Vouchers will be sent from the school by email. Contact your school directly if you do not receive it.
Care leavers and foster households
Support is available for care leavers and foster households to assist with their food and heating costs.
We'll contact them directly.
Charities
Money is also being allocated to Feeding Bristol, Red Cross and the advice sector.
These organisations will contact you directly.
What happens if you still need help
If you need financial support, you can still benefit from this fund. You can:
- apply for an emergency payment from the Crisis Payment Scheme (if you are aged 16 or older and live in Bristol, and are in financial crisis and need help with essential day to day living expenses)
- apply for a Housing Payment Scheme (if you get Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit and need extra help for housing costs)
- get cost of living advice
You can also get help with money and debt problems and find out if you can claim benefits.